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1893 Map of Two Butte

Name: 1893 Topographic Map of Two Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

The Santa Fe Trail cuts across this southeastern Colorado landscape, marking a vital historical corridor through the high plains of Bent, Prowers, and Baca counties. Surveyed in 1890, the map illustrates a sparsely settled region defined by its vital water sources and ranching outposts. The twin peaks of Two Buttes serve as a primary landmark near the eastern edge, overlooking the intermittent flow of Two Butte Creek.

Small, isolated settlements like Brookfield, Ayr, and Atlanta appear as early nodes of habitation, while Longshore Ranch highlights the dominance of the cattle industry during this era. The geography is characterized by the intricate drainage systems of Mud Creek and Horse Creek, which provided the necessary water for travelers and settlers alike. A unique insight into late 19th-century survival is found at Clay Creek Spring, a critical natural feature in an otherwise arid environment.